The Green Weenie: Pooch Patrol the first of the Hartman Originals for Ruckus, to be followed by Tickle Monsters

WILTON, Conn.–Ruckus Media Group, an independent family entertainment company, announced that Butch Hartman, creator of three hit animated Nickelodeon shows –The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, and the current #2 animated program on television with kids 2-11, T.U.F.F. Puppy — will be launching two new digital-first intellectual properties to be released as interactive mobile storybooks for children with Ruckus Media Group and its Ruckus Reader platform. Ruckus has secured exclusive worldwide rights in all languages for all mobile devices to two new original animated properties. The Green Weenie: Pooch Patrol, the playable adventures of a courageous adventure-seeking weenie dog and his canine companions, will be released as interactive storybooks — iReaders — for Apple’s iOS and other mobile devices later this year. Tickle Monsters, a tale of two brothers and the many fantastically ticklish creatures that live under their bed, will follow.

“Butch Hartman is a proven hit-maker in the animation world and there’s no question his sensibility is perfect for a new category of Ruckus Reader stories. We’re so excited to give kids the opportunity to play with these new characters via games that complement the storylines. Partnering with Butch on these properties and bringing his creations to life with interactivity on the Ruckus Reader presents a unique opportunity,” says Jason Root, Chief Content Officer, Ruckus Media Group, “and we see this original content playing across many different platforms.”

The Hartman deal, brokered by The Gotham Group, Inc., a multi-faceted management and production company representing some of the most creative minds in Hollywood, introduces to the Ruckus program game-based storytelling, where the game is the inspiration for the story. The Green Weenie will be available on iOS devices and Nook in 2012.